If this month's skincare launches [1] had a LinkedIn account, recruiters would flock like pigeons to get a peek at their profiles. Face wash [2] that works like a Dyson on pores? Put it on the resume. Neck cream that hides the evidence of too much phone time? You're hired. There's even a sheet mask that smooths your derriere [3], for crying out loud.
Point is, the latest skincare products [4] get the job done. But if your income bracket will only allow for one (or three. . .) purchases, we've asked POPSUGAR beauty editors to share their favourite new treatments, moisturisers, cleansers, and more hitting the market this August so you can better narrow down the pool of applicants. Read our reviews — or should we call them "endorsements" — ahead.
Too Cool For School Rules of Mastic IX Enhancer Recovery Balm
"I use the Too Cool For School Rules of Mastic IX Enhancer Recovery Balm [5] ($36) with the same vigour as the woman in the Frank's Red Hot commercials. Dry skin, redness, areas that look dull — I put this sh*t on everything. The fragrance-free cream is thick and intensely hydrating, yet never leaves behind any slippery, greasy residue. I got a tube of the stuff just a week ago, yet I've gone through a fourth of it — not because it's a small container, but because I'm truly in love with how silky it leaves my skin." — Jesa Marie Calaor, assistant beauty editor
Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturiser
"If mint leaves and bubble gum had a baby, it would smell exactly like the Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturiser [6] ($34) — only it wouldn't feel nearly as good on your skin. It's just not the scent, either; the formula itself has worked like magic on my combination skin, hydrating all the right parts and letting the salicylic acid and bamboo charcoal take care of the rest of my oily, acne-prone areas." — Kelsey Castañon, senior beauty editor
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum
"I've been looking for a magic pore eraser ever since I first noticed a pore on my face, and I'm excited to say that the new Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum [7] ($65) is the closest I've come to finding one. It's a blend of acids and mushroom extract that both clean and tighten pores, making them appear smaller. The best part? I noticed a difference after only a week." — Dawn Davis, senior editorial director
I Dew Care Thirst Things First Revitalizing Vitamin C Mist Mask | Ulta Beauty
"Since I'd prefer to get radiant skin in as few steps as possible, I love that the I Dew Care Thirst Things First Revitalizing Vitamin C Mist Mask [8] ($19) is in spray bottle form. Not only does it refresh my makeup during the day and keep things from looking cakey, but the part-oil spritz also contains vitamin C to brighten my complexion." — Sarah Siegel, assistant beauty editor
Milk Makeup Kush Growhouse Lash + Brow Serum
"What I might love more than a good lash serum is one that includes ingredients that I'm able to recognise immediately. This Milk Makeup Kush Growhouse Lash + Brow Serum [9] ($48) is plant derived and contains all things familiar to me like aloe, vitamin b5 and quinoa extracts for healthy lashes and major growth. My favourite part about this product is that you can apply it right before makeup because it instantly dries, doesn't feel sticky, and does not make eyeliner appear patchy when you do. Plus, it's #gramworthy packageing makes it just as pretty on your vanity as on your lashes — it's a win-win." — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, associate beauty editor, Makeup.com
Bawdy x Sephora Collection Butt Sheet Mask
"Do you need a mask for your butt? Probably not. Did I enjoy using the Bawdy x Sephora Collection Butt Sheet Mask [10] ($8)? More than many of my go-to face masks. I slapped it on and laid on my bed without pants for 15 minutes. It didn't 'firm and plump' my bottom (like the brand claimed) as much as a squat workout would, but my skin felt incredible. It was smooth and, not that anyone is really taking that close of a look, seemed brighter in tone." — JMC
Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser
"Despite residing here for the last eight years, my combination skin still can't seem to grasp the atrocity that is the New York City subway system in Summer. Like clockwork, it overproduces just about everything: sweat, oil, anxiety. The only thing keeping all of that from turning into breakouts, though, is the Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser [11] ($28). It's loaded with pore-clearing salicylic acid and soothing grape water, so the only time you'll spot any redness on my face is minutes before I step onto the 6 train." — KC
Petite Amie Skincare Brightening Eye Mask
"I promise that the Petite Amie Skincare Brightening Eye Mask [12]'s ($5) super cool packageing isn't the only reason I love it (but that definitely does help). Petite Amie Skincare makes sheet masks that are next-level, like this brightening eye mask that is shaped like a pair of chic heart-eye glasses. Just 10 minutes with it on leaves my under-eye area moisturised. I use it in the morning to prep my face for makeup and find it makes for smoother application — plus I just look cool while wearing it." — Jessica Harrington, assistant editor, Makeup.com
La Mer The Neck & Décolleté Concentrate
"I've spent countless hours on my 10-plus-step facial skincare routine over the last decade, but I've neglected my neck and chest, and it's starting to show. I have tell-tale I've-been-looking-at-my-phone-too-much lines on my neck and speckled sun damage on my chest. With the launch of La Mer The Neck & Décolleté Concentrate [13] ($295), I'm finally ready to invest in in this step. The formula is ultra-luxurious, as you'd imagine, and the cream comes with a brush that makes application fun. It's designed to lift and firm and offer protect from environmental stressors — so I don't have to cut back on my phone time." — DD
NuFace Prep-N-Glow Cloths
"Give me all of the products that are designed to make my life easier! The NuFace Prep-N-Glow Cloths [14] ($20) are like a makeup wipe, but better. They cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate all in one shot making them perfect for travel and skin-care on the go. One side of the cloth is enriched with hyaluronic acid and other antioxidants to remove makeup and treat your skin, while the other side contains micro-dots for exfoliation. I find myself using them every chance I get." — JH
Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil
"Pixi just married two of my favourite skin treats: oils and retinol. The Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil [15] ($24) soothes and hydrates my complexion while the retinol has improved my skin texture. When I wake up, my skin looks smooth and hydrated." — SS